Mathematician, banker, musician: multifaceted life of Rev. Paa Joe Markwei
At the age of 60, Rev. Paa Joe Markwei has defied the odds, surviving three near-death car accidents, escaping the clutches of a dangerous snake, and embracing a variety of roles throughout his life, including fishing and a 30-year career in banking.
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Rev. P.J Markwei is good with the saxophone
His musical journey began at the young age of five and has led him to become a Senior Pastor and a prolific praise and worship leader, overseeing the music and technical team at Living Streams International at Tse-addo, Accra.
For the past 40 years, Rev. Paa Joe Markwei, affectionately called P.J Markwei has dedicated his life to spreading messages of love, hope, and salvation through his music.
Rev. P.J Markwei takes the lead in praise and worship ministry
In addition to his responsibilities at the church, he has recorded two albums, including his debut album titled "Nyommo Dã," released several singles, and manages a popular YouTube page called 'Praise Medley' with over 160,000 views.
In December 2022, his song "Oshee" won the prestigious "Best Traditional Christian Music" award at the Praise Achievement Awards organised by Praise TV, Ghana.
Rev. P.J Markwei's journey has not been limited to music alone. He has also served as a Mathematics teacher at the S.D.A Secondary School in Labone, Accra, and held various positions in several banks, including the role of Cost Controller at the Golden Tulip (now Lancaster) in Accra.
Additionally, he is skilled in playing musical instruments such as the saxophone and guitar.
It is noteworthy that despite his age, he seems to have beaten the biological clock as he still looked great without even a grey hair in sight. According to him, swimming, gym, and a strict diet were his secret.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Rev. P.J Markwei draws strength and support from his loving wife of 31 years, Bridget-Jane Markwei, and their three children: Marvelle-Nicole, Ian-Manuel, and Ebenezer-Jude Markwei.
Rev. P.J Markwei and his wife Bridget-Jane have been together for 31 years
Music and childhood
Rev. P.J Markwei's musical journey began within a close-knit family of musicians in the suburbs of La, Accra.
His father, Mr Ebenezer Martey Markwei Snr, served as the music director of a neighbourhood choir called La Youngsters, while his mother, Mrs Victoria Akokai Markwei, was the lead singer.
From a young age, Rev. P.J Markwei and his siblings captivated audiences with their musical talents, and at the age of 11, he joined the La Presbyterian adult church choir.
A portrait of family love and togetherness
As his professional music ministry developed, Rev. P.J Markwei became a pivotal figure in leading praise and worship.
He played a significant role in the success of renowned musical productions such as "Monarch's Praise," "Sing Out," "God Alone," and "Christmas Fiesta."
“I pride myself as a typical Ga boy who loves my traditional dish, kenkey. For my second cycle education, I attended the Labone Senior High School in Accra and followed to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi for my first and second degrees in Mathematics.”
Professional music ministry
Rev. P.J Markwei said his journey began in 1980 when he joined the Calvary Road Singers, a group that led praise and worship in crusades and other events.
“As the musical lead of the choir of my church, I played a pivotal role in the success of our renowned musical productions such as Monarch’s Praise, Sing Out, God Alone, and Christmas Fiesta,” he said.
Rev. P.J Markwei is a passionate traveller and adventurer
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Life as a banker
“It has been a great and rewarding experience. “I worked as an Operations Manager for the Universal Merchant Bank, Tema, Branch Manager of the Bank of Africa, Head Office, Accra and the Head of the Central Processing Unit of the Agriculture Development Bank until my retirement recently. I thank God that throughout this journey, I never faced any scandal despite being in sensitive positions nor fell sick to any serious ailment,” he said.
Personal life
Outside of his ministry, Rev. P.J Markwei describes himself as a family oriented, focused and passionate person who maintains an active lifestyle. “Swimming is my hobby and I can do it all day,” he smiled.
Rev. P.J Markwei (middle) looks timeless alongside his sons at 60
His wife, who was present during the interview, then teasingly recounted a time her husband swam tirelessly in the oceans of Dubai for over seven hours. She also disclosed that he did not eat after 6 p.m. unless it was either fruits or water.
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“My children and wife are a blessing and I am so thankful for their love and unwavering support. If I had the chance to choose, I would choose them again with my eyes closed”, he said.
Philanthropic work
Touching on this, the minister said his family donated a monthly monetary contribution to the Ark Foundation, a Christian Mission Organisation for compassionate care and social action.
“Through my ministry, I have also nurtured and supported talents within the industry who have risen to be an integral part of my ministry,” he added.
Challenges in ministry and life
According to him, “very early in my career, navigating the industry was challenging. I remember back in 2003, my intellectual property (copyright) was stolen without any credit, compensation or apology.
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I wrote and recorded the song, Y3 hyira wo na y3 koto wo, wo soo na wo kron na wo y3 k33si, which was part of the West Meets South album with singer, Lionel Peterson.
“That song was picked and sung ‘ditto ditto’ by another person (name withheld) and it was a huge success. Till date, it is recognised as his but I thank God that the wells of inspiration did not die in me and I was able to overcome this,” he said.
“I have also survived an accident on the Spintex road at dawn that could have ended my career. My car somersaulted five times and landed on its roof but I got out unharmed. All grace be to God for pulling me through” he mentioned.
Rev. P.J Markwei in moments of relaxation and wonder in Dubai
Post retirement plans
“I plan on travelling a lot, continuing my ministry, and indulging in more philanthropic work. The world should await my manifestation and to the youth, God should be your ultimate guide, mentor and always strive to be a great father,” he concluded.
writer’s email: appreygloria@gmail.com
